Letters to the Editor

I had intended to write a letter about why, instead of state Sen. Mark Obenshain, we should elect April Moore who, like Hillary, is a grandmother with two eyes and a brain. Instead, I find myself writing a “thank you” letter to the Northern Virginia Daily.

“GOP leaders, candidates fire on Trump.” This is a front page, above-the-fold headline in the Washington Post. According to The Post, Donald Trump said John McCain “(is) a war hero because he was captured. I like people that weren’t captured,” and lots of people are very unhappy about what Mr. Trump said.

I am presently on tour of several of the countries bordering the Baltic Sea. In Norway, wind turbines are now providing 35-40 percent of the countries’ electric power with a goal of 70 percent by 2020.

There has been talk of “credentials.” Well, I’ve traveled from the Dakotas to Arizona, from the Carolinas to California, and I know America. If you want to know what America wants, you have to meet its people. I see no difference amony any of them. We all have the “American dream.”

In his critique of my commentary titled “The Culture of Dogma,” Richard Hoover missed the point. He thinks it inappropriate for me to bring in old history, rather than talking only about the contemporary scene, in talking about today’s Republican Party.

Our culture is increasingly critical of the Christian faith. While such criticism is at times valid it often requires correction. For example, the work of Protestant missionaries is regularly critiqued. But recent research by Dr. Robert Woodberry, senior research professor at Baylor University, has demonstrated that Protestant missionaries have been catalysts in the development of stable democracies around the world.

The Supreme Court’s ruling on gay marriage opened another door for the politics of division in America. The post victory hoopla was transformed overnight to an in-your-face reminder featuring the full breadth of our White House ablaze with rainbow colors representing the gay rights victory, a defiant reminder that the Supreme Court did rule in favor of the president and the gay community.

Humanism is a philosophical world view based on reason and compassion. With that in mind, I am compelled to make a sincere attempt to assuage the fears of Christian fundamentalists who, fearing God’s wrath, “tremble for their country” because of the Supreme Court’s ruling making gay marriage legal in all 50 states.

[The 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America] was adopted to end practices that the Civil War was fought to abolish. Its language is simple. But it seems, for long periods, to have been simply disregarded by judges, legislators and, quite often, the people.

Congratulations to the nearly 500 high school graduates from schools in Shenandoah County. Now that they are about to take more responsibility for their future, here is another assignment for them. They should register to vote if they are U.S. citizens, 18 years old, or will become 18 by the next general election. Full requirements are available at the local registrar’s office. The county, state and nation need their participation as elected officials grapple with myriad issues that affect them and others. It is important that they register as soon as possible because there is significant opposition to the student vote.

I am a naturalized American citizen, and sometimes we immigrants see things a little differently. You’ll have to forgive us! Case in point: As I understand it, state Sen. Mark Obenshain has said that solar energy may be viable in Virginia in 20 or 30 years.

Many letters and articles have been written about the flying of the Confederate battle flag. Phrases such as “states’ rights” and less federal government have been offered as reasons for the flag being a symbol of heritage, not hate.

I see that recently Del. Todd Gilbert said, “My concern is that the ultimate goal of the far left is not to secure rights for gay individuals but to tear down religious institutions and the belief systems that support them…” He said this in response to a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court supporting same sex marriage. Interesting that he has had nothing to say about the recent attacks against black churches in the South. As a friend of mine said, “That must have slipped his mind.”